Earlier today in Queens Park, an information board was unveiled by Crewe Town Mayor – Cllr Nan Walton – which outlines the background of the historic Verdun Oak trees.
The information board, funded by Crewe Town Council and written by local historian Paul Blurton, is sited next to the oaks by the West Gate bandstand.
The Verdun oaks mark a battle that happened over 500 miles away in Verdun, France. More than 300,000 people died or were wounded in over 300 days of fighting in what was one of the major battles of the First World War. After the First World War, many trees were planted as memorials to the people who lost their lives.
The oak trees grew from acorns collected from the battlefield at Verdun. They have stood in the park for over 100 years, yet many who use the park are not aware of why they are there. The information board will help tell their story and make sure the memory of those who fell lives on.
A comprehensive overview of the Verdun Oaks has been compiled by local historian Paul Blurton of the Crewe Historical Society and is available through the link below:
Verdun oaks background information
